Texas child custody case prompts Amber Alert

On behalf of Amy Geistweidt of Higdon, Hardy & Zuflacht, L.L.P. posted in child custody on Tuesday, March 14, 2017.

To find a child in one’s care is missing or unaccounted for is the worst fear of any parent or guardian. The house has been turned upside down, and the neighbors have been called. Finally, the phone call is made to the Texas police who issue an Amber Alert, especially in child custody cases where the child is believed to have been taken over state lines.

An Amber Alert was canceled on Friday, March 3, 2017 when a 10-month-old child was found. He was located safe in Arkansas after he was abducted by his noncustodial parents. He was taken from his grandparents’ home in Palestine, Texas.

The FBI alerted Arkansas authorities that the suspects’ cell phone pinged a local tower. The child was found in his car seat in the back of the car. He was placed in an ambulance to keep warm and then was turned over to the Arkansas Department of Human Services.

Texas authorities sent warrants of arrest for the parents. Arkansas deputies arrested the 24-year-old mother and 27-year-old-father on felony charges of interference with child custody. Both are currently in jail on $50,000 bond and awaiting extradition back to Texas.

Child custody battles are not always between two parents. In certain circumstances, children can be raised by grandparents or other family members who have a vested interest in the child when the parents have been proven unfit. A Texas family law attorney can help family members seek a resolution that is in the best interest of the children involved in the child custody case.